Local News: August 10, 2023

- STAP To Hold Free MPox Clinic In Ithaca On Thursday -

INTRO: The World Health Organization no longer considers MPox, formerly called “monkey pox” an international health emergency but it’s still a health threat. Tompkins County has the highest number of Mpox cases in the Southern Tier. To stop its spread the So. Tier AIDS Project (STAP) is holding a free vaccination clinic in Ithaca on August 11.

Haythi Ei is the STAP coordinator. 

"Anyone can get MPox, regardless of your gender identity or sexual orientation," she said.

She said it's recommended you get vaccinated if you identify as gay or bisexual but MPox is about behaviors, not just sexual identity. 

"…men who have sex with men, And, and this is the important part – have a new diagnosis of one or more STIs and have more than one sex partner," she added

Ei says you should also consider getting vaccinated if you live with someone at high risk. Signs of Mpox include flu-like symptoms, painful or itchy pimples, or blisters.

"So, Mpox is spread through skin-to-skin contact. So, you exchange saliva, respiratory fluids, and also if you touch their lesions and blisters and scabs. And also another way Mpos is spread is [by] touching an infected surface.

Ei said the vaccination requires two shots about three weeks apart. 

The clinic will be at STAP's Ithaca Offices from Noon - 4 PM this Friday. To preregister go here, but walk-ins will be accepted.